Thursday 16th November 2023
The Cyber Security Testing Framework (CBEST), established by the Bank of England in 2014, is a crucial methodology tailored for UK financial services organisations. It stands as the primary tool for testing their defences using cutting-edge threat intelligence and real-world attack simulations. CBEST plays a pivotal role in fortifying the cyber resilience of these institutions against sophisticated threats.
We recognise the paramount importance of intelligence-led penetration testing within the framework of CBEST. It’s not merely a component of defence; it’s a strategic approach empowering financial institutions to combat dynamic cyber threats effectively.
Understanding CBEST: Strengthening Financial Defences
CBEST aims to evaluate and enhance the cyber defences of financial institutions through advanced threat simulations. This methodology involves conducting controlled, intelligence-led cyber security tests that mirror the tactics used by genuine attackers. This approach allows organisations to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their defences against evolving cyber threats.
Intelligence-led pen-testing within the CBEST framework holds critical significance:
- Scalability: By automating testing processes, institutions can effectively scale their cybersecurity measures without draining resources.
- Efficiency: Automation swiftly pinpoints vulnerabilities, facilitating rapid mitigation and minimising potential delays during CBEST assessments.
- Accuracy: Automated testing provides a more precise evaluation of an institution’s cyber posture, identifying security weaknesses that manual testing might overlook.
Our upcoming webinar, in collaboration with BlueFort, will delve into the strategic importance of intelligence-led pen-testing within the CBEST framework.
We’ll share best practises and insights to guide financial institutions towards meeting and exceeding their cyber resilience goals.
Understanding CBEST and the significance of intelligence-led pen-testing is crucial in fortifying financial institutions against the evolving threat landscape. It’s a proactive step towards ensuring the security and resilience of these organisations in a rapidly changing digital environment.
To deepen your insight into intelligence-led pen-testing and fortify your institution’s defences within the CBEST framework, register for our upcoming webinar here. Take the first step toward reinforcing your cyber resilience in the financial landscape.
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FAQs
How is STAR-FS different from CBEST? CBEST was designed for TIER 1 financial organisations, whereas STAR-FS is applicable across the entire sector and can be used to assess the cyber capability without requiring regulator or government involvement.
What is the difference between threat hunter and pen tester? ›
Pen testing tells you how an opponent could get into your environment. It emphasizes the potential damage of not hardening the environment by showing how different vulnerabilities might be exploited or identifying insecure IT practices. Threat hunting tells you who is already in your environment and what they're up to.
What is the difference between threat hunting and vulnerability assessment? ›
Threat hunting is the proactive search for hidden invaders who have breached the walls, while vulnerability management is the constant reinforcement of those walls, identifying and patching weaknesses before they can be exploited.
Is California getting rid of the CBEST? ›
California has been moving away from standardized testing for teacher candidates for several years. In July 2021, legislation gave teacher candidates the option to take approved coursework instead of the California Basic Education Skills Test, or CBEST, or the California Subject Examinations for Teachers, or CSET.
How hard is the CBEST exam? ›
Is the CBEST difficult? That depends on the individual. The test covers what are considered basic skills, so the knowledge being tested is not high-level, but it does require familiarity with the math, reading, and writing skills being tested.
What are the three types of Pentesting? ›
Penetration testing refers to the process of evaluating a system's security posture by finding and exploiting vulnerabilities present in the said system. Penetration tests are categorized into three types – white box pentesting, grey box pentesting, and black box pentesting.
What is the difference between Pentester and cyber-security analyst? ›
SOC Analyst has to monitor the network continuously and analyze security incidents using necessary tools and techniques. A Penetration Tester must act as a hacker to think logically to find ways to penetrate the organization's network.
What is pen testing in cyber-security? ›
Penetration testing (or pen testing) is a security exercise where a cyber-security expert attempts to find and exploit vulnerabilities in a computer system. The purpose of this simulated attack is to identify any weak spots in a system's defenses which attackers could take advantage of.
What are the three types of vulnerability assessments? ›
Types of vulnerability assessments
- Network-based scans identify possible network security attacks. ...
- Host-based scans locate and identify vulnerabilities in servers, workstations or other network hosts. ...
- Wireless network scans focus on points of attack in wireless network infrastructure.
Threat hunting steps
- Step 1: Trigger. Threat hunting is typically a focused process. ...
- Step 2: Investigation. Once a trigger is identified, the hunting efforts are focused on proactively searching for anomalies that either prove or disprove the hypothesis. ...
- Step 3: Resolution.
There are four main types of vulnerability: physical, social, economic, and environmental.
What is equivalent to the CBEST? ›
There are alternative options to the CBEST, including coursework, a qualifying score on SAT or ACT, a score of at least 3 on some AP courses, or a passing score on CSU examinations.
Is the CBEST the same as a teaching credential? ›
CBEST stands for the California Basic Educational Skills Test and must be passed in order to get a teaching credential or to work as a substitute teacher in the state.
Is the CBEST waived in California for substitute teachers? ›
If you've applied after January 1, 2023, you don't need to pass the CBEST to become a substitute teacher until after July 1, 2024. The California Basic Educational Skills Test™ (CBEST®) is a basic aptitude test developed to meet requirements of laws relating to education credentialing and employment.
What grade level is the CBEST math? ›
CBEST is a basic skills test: reading, writing and math to the 8th grade level. Review math up to the Algebra I level. Review how to write a basic five-paragraph essay – opening paragraph with main idea and supporting details, three paragraphs in the middle, and a final summary paragraph.
